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Three farmers from around the state have been named Kentucky’s “Local Food Heroes.” They are Mike Lewis of Berea, Clay Turner of Russellville and Ramsi Kamar of Louisville.

The contest was sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Louisville Metro Government and Seed Capital Kentucky, and encouraged residents around the state to go online and vote for their favorite farmer. More than 2,500 votes were cast on the Seed Capital Kentucky website.

Kiley Parker from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture says it’s becoming increasingly clear that Kentuckians want more and appreciate local food. A study from earlier this year showed there’s unmet demand for local food in Louisville, and Parker said the interest in the contest confirmed that.

“So I think with these three farmers especially, it just goes to show you that people were really excited, and are excited, about local food in Kentucky,” she said.

People voting in the contest also left comments.

“We had so many farmers that were nominated and we had over 175 comments that were left about why people love their farmer and what was special about their particular farm and how it’s so great that they can get fresh local food straight from the farm,” Parker said.

The contest winners will get specially-made “food hero” trading cards, and will appear on the field at halftime with Agriculture Commissioner James Comer at the Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky football game next weekend.